Hovey Pond Dam
Hovey Pond Dam is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1870. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Hovey Pond Dam
Hovey Pond Dam is a dam in Worcester, Massachusetts. The dam is owned by Ma Department Of Conservation & Recreation (state). It impounds the Quinsigamond River near Grafton.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 450 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 22 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 25 square miles. Completed in 1870, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/19/2024.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Massachusetts dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Worcester |
| Nearest City | Grafton |
| River/Stream | Quinsigamond River |
| Coordinates | 42.23083, -71.71377 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 450 ft |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 22 acres |
| Drainage Area | 25 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Owner | MA Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/19/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA02785 |
| Federal ID | MA02785 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |